Ministers expect healthcare premiums to rise by an average of €3.50 to around €103 per month next year, sources have told the AD.

Sources told the paper that efforts to cut health costs, including deals with pharmaceutical firms to keep down drugs costs and limits on some treatments, are beginning to pay off so the rise can be kept low.

The forecasts are officially published by the health ministry on the third Tuesday in September, when the government presents its 2017 spending plans. However, the exact rise is up to health insurance companies and is rarely in line with ministry suggestions.

Last year, for example, the minister said a €7 rise would be acceptable, but the actual average rise was much lower.

Another leak earlier this week showed that the annual own risk charge in health insurance is to be frozen at €385 next year.